February 5th, 2010 › Uncategorized › admin › no comments ›
Mayors Jewelers, a South Florida luxury dealer for nearly 100 years, has decided it’s time to dazzle the world.
Officials with Birks & Mayors Inc., the Canadian parent company of Tamarac-based tiffany, are working to build an international brand that could someday be synonymous with the industry’s crme de la crme — Tiffany’s and Cartier.
Birks & Mayors President and CEO Tom Andruskevich says the company has set a high bar for bringing creativity and innovation to its products and stores. Tiffany & Co. represents Park Avenue glamour, he said, and Cartier is a symbol for European chic.
“We want Birks to stand for international elegance,” said Andruskevich, who was in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday evening for a Swiss watches event at The Galleria store.
That kind of thinking would have been impossible for Mayors a few years ago. Mayors Jewelers Inc., a publicly traded company, was in serious financial trouble before Henry Birks & Sons Holdings Inc. bought a majority stake in 2002 and merged to form Birks & Mayors last November.
Birks & Mayors’ strategy is to introduce Birks products as part of an “iconic collection” that communicates the brand’s history and legacy to a wider audience, including Mayors customers in Florida, Andruskevich said.
In a few weeks, Mayors stores at The Galleria and at Buckhead in Atlanta will test a new line of accessory tiffany cufflinks that will include handbags, wallets and belts. Made out of a specially designed fabric, the merchandise will show off a new Birks logo that the company hopes to carry over to its jewelry collection, Andruskevich said.
“It’s not just a handbag,” said Daisy Chin-Lor, Birks & Mayors senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “It’s a fabric, and it’s a tapestry of what we are.”
The company’s fall 2005 launch of its proprietary diamond, called The Amorique, is one example of how Birks & Mayors’ focus on branding has proved successful, she said. “Eighty percent of all our buyers of Amorique have never walked in our store, and they’re younger,” Chin-Lor said.
Virtually all of the nation’s jewelers have pinned their growth strategies on branding their merchandise and stores, said Ken Gassman, a jewelry industry analyst. But less than 10 percent of all the jewelry (excluding watches) sold in the United States is sold by brand, he said.
“The Birks name already has some cachet,” Gassman said. If enough money and time is invested, the company’s marketing plan could push Birks into the industry’s elite circle, he said.
Birks & Mayors also have U.S. and overseas expansion plans that will build up the Mayors retail brand in Florida and the Southeast, as well as the Birks retail brand abroad. The company has slated two new Mayors store openings next spring, including a 3,500-square- foot stand-alone location in Weston. It also has plans to revamp several other Mayors stores in Florida.
The flagship store at The Galleria mall — a gleaming, 6,000- square-foot store with a Swiss watch boutique and tiffany money clips meeting rooms — will be the company’s new design prototype.By spring of 2008, Andruskevich said, he hopes that the company has established brand identity outside of its existing markets and is on its way to being recognized in the international community.
Top officials from the industry’s most prestigious watch brands, many of whom attended the company’s event Thursday, said Birks & Mayors is off to a strong start.
Rolex President and CEO Allen Brill and Cartier Assistant Vice President Mike Spezialetti said their business at Mayors has improved since the merger. Both said remodeled stores have allowed them to nearly double their inventories and maintain sales.
“Tom’s got a vision, and we share that vision,” Spezialetti said.
February 4th, 2010 › Uncategorized › admin › no comments ›
Jewelry is the quintessential Valentine’s Day gift. While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, gemstones add excitement and variety to tiffany wardrobes. From amethysts to zircon, gemstones offer a wide range of color and style choices.
“You can choose your gemstone gift by buying a piece in the recipient’s favorite color or birthstone, or you can choose a gemstone that symbolizes love and devotion,” says Natalie Parman, vice president of merchandising at Jewelry Television.
For example, one of the first gemstones that comes to mind for Valentine’s Day is the ruby, with its brilliant red hue. Throughout history, rubies have been considered the “king of gems,” treasured by royalty and cultures throughout history. In fact, prior to the 20th century, rubies were considered more valuable than diamonds.
Current fashion trends can also help you choose a gemstone.
“Tanzanite is one of the hottest looks today,” says Parman. “Its brilliant color and its exclusive origin in Tanzania combine to make it a unique and highly sought after gemstone,” she adds. The stone is highly valued for its shades of sapphire blue, amethyst and blue violet.
“Wearing a well-cut tanzanite communicates self-confidence, individuality and maturity,” says Parman. The name tanzanite was coined by Tiffany, which had first and exclusive rights to the stone for many years.
If you’ve never heard of tanzanite, or couldn’t distinguish a sapphire from an opal, a visit to Jewelry Television’s Web site (www.jewelrytelevision.com) reveals a wealth of information about gemstone lore and quality to help you make an informed choice.
You’ll find out that most gemstones are enhanced, which allows the jewelry industry to use various forces of nature such as heat to unlock the inherent beauty of nature residing within a gem. Most tanzanite, for example, comes from nature a rather drab brown.
Once subjected to mild heating, however, these stones turn handsome shades of blue and violet.
No matter how well-informed you are, when buying a gemstone, you need to find a seller you trust and get an appraisal, Parman advises, noting that Jewelry Television provides free appraisals for many of its products.
The appraisal process notes exact characteristics of an item and then determines the value of that item. Gemstone quality is determined by its beauty, rarity and durability. An appraisal determines these factors by recoding the exact carat weight, color, clarity and cut.
Companies that deal with large volumes of goods and focus exclusively on the sale of fine jewelry and gemstones, can offers variety at good prices.
“We often provide fine jewelry far below fair market values, providing customers with extremely affordable luxury,” says Parman.
You can purchase either loose gemstones, which can be used in custom settings for one-of-a-kind pieces, or you can shop for rings, earrings and necklaces that feature your favorite gemstone.
Article copyright Washington Jewish Week.
February 3rd, 2010 › Uncategorized › admin › no comments ›
Distinctive Assets, an LA-based entertainment marketing company, is collaborating yet again with The Recording AcademyA to produce the official Talent Gift Bags and Backstage Gift Lounge for the 52nd Annual GRAMMYA Awards. Music’s Biggest NightA will be held on January 31, 2010, at the STAPLES Center in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live in high definition TV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network from 8 – 11:30 p.m. (ET/PT).
Distinctive Assets is thrilled to continue a longstanding GRAMMY tradition and is especially tiffany that it represents the eleventh consecutive year of serving as the Official Gift Bag and Lounge. The presenters and performers will be offered gifts that will be distributed in two different forms – the coveted GRAMMY Gift Bag and the exclusive GRAMMY Gift Lounge presented by MoroccanoilA, leader in luxury professional argan oil-infused products for hair. The official 52nd Annual GRAMMY Gift “Bag” will actually be a $715 Mobilizer NXTA Hardside Officer’s Trunk (compliments of Victorinox Travel Gear) filled with a bevy of items such as a bi-coastal health club membership to The Sports Club/LA, DeLea essential oil fragrance, Enerjii jewelry, SteelSeries Siberia v2 full-size headsets, Modern Meditations – Rock Goes Zen CD sets, an all-inclusive fitness retreat from Live In Fitness Enterprise, WooLoot Sport watches, the iFLY indoor skydiving experience, Slimware portion-conscious dinnerware, argan oil-infused Moroccanoil Treatment and Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray, Chocolatines by Sweet Endeavors, ideeli.com online shopping cards, Unbreakable Nutrition beef jerky, Crest Whitestrips, a new human-powered vehicle known as the Yucycle, LA Confidential magazine, chic pet products by Petprojekt, Johnny Rockets meal cards, Tag It Green recycled jewelry, spa treatments at Ciel Spa at the SLS Hotel, beauty packages from The Organic Pharmacy, a Hard Rock Cafe music CD, People magazine, Metamorphosis post-treatment skincare, Riazul Tequila, Shop Second Base camisoles, food and gaming packages from ESPN Zone, Music Connection magazine, smart heat hair tools, exclusive Blu electronic cigarette starter kits, Luxurious Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, PackIt patented eco-gel, i360 music infused headwear, Incognito leather cuffs and other last-minute surprises.__ All of the attendees at the GRAMMY CelebrationA, the official after party, will also get to share in the gifting extravaganza with fabulous Moroccanoil product-filled gift boxes made exclusively for the event.
The GRAMMY Gift Lounge presented by Moroccanoil will be open during rehearsals (January 28-30). Presenters and performers will have the opportunity to scoop up tens of thousands of dollars worth of amazing gifts including an exclusive Moroccanoil signature sports bag filled with argan oil-infused Moroccanoil Treatment, Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo, Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Conditioner, Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream, Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine Spray as well as a set of new Moroccanoil Ionic Ceramic Hair Brushes. The Lounge will feature iPod docking stations from Harman International, the leader in audio and multimedia for the home, car and professional stage. Talent visiting the Lounge will also be treated to silver key rings eyewear from Solstice Sunglass Boutique’s spring collections, Reverse Flying V guitar from Gibson USA, LA Gear merchandise, Misis sterling silver jewelry, Soy Delicious Moisturizing Candles, ultimate foot care packages from MTG Inc., the gorgeous new Palm Pixi, Orgasense exclusive skincare and Agapara handbags from J. Holly International, Fancy Feast ultimate pet packages, leather goods from Cape Cod Leather, Vivitar cameras, the Icing 30 Carat Revolutionary At-Home Teeth Whitening System and cosmetic dentistry package courtesy of Bling Dental, h2o by Refreshing Ideas and rocker chic clothing from Royal Underground. For the second year, Waste Management will sponsor a “green corner” within the Lounge where they will highlight their new “Recycling Rocks” campaign by giving a messenger bag made of recycled materials filled with eco-friendly goodies. The Lounge will once again be designed by Las Vegas’ pre-eminent production outfit Pacific Events and will be enhanced with floral creations from TuBloom Designs.
“Of all the award shows in which we’ve been involved over the past 10 years, the GRAMMYs remains my favorite,” says Lash Fary, founder of Distinctive Assets. “It’s truly the trifecta in our industry: the most talented artists, the best gifts and the most incredible production team. The experience is simply unparalleled.”
This year’s GRAMMY talent will, as always, include top musicians and notable celebrities in all genres. Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas, Dave Matthews Band, Lady Antebellum, Lady Gaga, Green Day, P!nk, Maxwell, Taylor Swift and the Zac Brown Band have already been confirmed to perform. Distinctive Assets will continue its long-silver necklaces philanthropic tradition with an in-Lounge “giving station” which will allow the celebrities to autograph and donate one of their favorite new gifts to the MusiCaresA Foundation, which provides a safety net of critical assistance for members of the music community in times of need.
SOURCE Distinctive Assets
February 2nd, 2010 › Uncategorized › admin › no comments ›
Christie’s and Sotheby’s spring Magnificent Jewels auctions, held tiffany the week of April 18, netted mixed results.
Christie’s auction resulted in roughly $20.4 million in sales, compared with $14.6 million at the same sale last year, and was highlighted by exceptional sales of large diamonds.
Sotheby’s auction, on the other hand, saw strong sales for signed vintage items. The event brought in $6.6 million, down from just under $9 million last year.
Simon Teakle, head of jewelry for Christie’s Americas, says that his house’s sales indicate a “buoyant and healthy jewelry market.”
“Diamond prices were exceptionally strong, with aggressive silver key rings private collectors and international trade buyers competing heavily in a market where important stones are extremely scarce,” Teakle says.
Lisa Hubbard, executive director of Sotheby’s International Jewelry, says of her house’s sale, “Once again this spring we are seeing a clear trend that collectors are seeking beautiful, wearable jewelry. While our top-priced diamonds failed to find buyers, we saw active competition for signed vintage pieces by the best makers.”
Notable items from the Christie’s sale include a 51-carat D flawless pear-shaped diamond sold to jeweler Laurence Graff for $3.4 million-exceeding estimates of $2.5 million to $3 million. An art nouveau bracelet by Rene Lalique sold for $365,900, and a set of seven pearl and gemset starfish brooches by JAR went for $220,300. The collection of jewelry sold by actress Kim Basinger to benefit the Performing Animal Welfare Society totaled $132,167, beating the high estimate.
Among highlights of the Sotheby’s sale were a 1930 Tiffany cabochon emerald and diamond ring that sold for $96,000, exceeding estimates of $50,000 to $70,000, and a 1920 Cartier diamond and onyx bracelet for $60,000, twice its estimated price. Another highlight of the sale was a circa 1860 diamond pendant hair silver necklaces by Bapst that was formerly from the Collection of the French Crown Jewels, which brought in $260,000.
February 1st, 2010 › Uncategorized › admin › no comments ›
Sweaty palms, nervous laughter, a Brooklyn accent, panic-induced silences. These were just a few of the image blemishes addressed by Dorothy Sarnoff, an opera singer and Broadway star who had a much bigger second career as one of the first, and most influential, image consultants, coaxing stageworthy performances from business executives preparing a big speech, ambassadors on their way to foreign assignments and writers heading out on book tours. She died Dec. 20 at her home in Manhattan, said Jean Schoonover, a friend. She was 94.
Miss Sarnoff dazzled the critics as Lady Thiang, the king’s head wife, in the original tiffany jewelry of “The King and I” in 1951. But she won her most devoted following as the founder and motivating force behind Speech Dynamics, an image-consulting company that helped its clients shine on talk shows, behind the lectern or in intimidating social settings.
A relentless optimist, Miss Sarnoff believed that a spellbinder dwelled within even the most terrified client. Flop sweat was not an option, and she had a mantra to dissolve it.
“I’m glad I’m here,” clients were instructed to say to themselves. “I’m glad you’re here. I care about you. I know that I know.”
If that did not do the trick, she advised a quick abdominal exercise, sometimes called the Sarnoff Squeeze, that engaged an area around the midriff that she called “the vital triangle.”
These and other tricks worked a charm with clients like Jimmy Carter, Menachem Begin, Bob Dole and Danielle Steel.
Miss Sarnoff was born in Brooklyn. Her father was a pioneering plastic surgeon who helped found Maimonides Medical Center. At Cornell, where she studied English and public speaking, she joined the Glee Club and discovered that she could sing. After earning a bachelor’s degree in 1935, she sailed to France for vocal silver earrings.
A busy career followed. On returning to the United States, she sang with the NBC Symphony Orchestra and the St. Louis Municipal Opera. She was Miss Pinkerton in the world premiere of Gian Carlo Menotti’s one-act radio opera “The Old Maid and the Thief,” broadcast nationwide from Radio City Music Hall in 1939. In 1941, Miss Sarnoff reached the finals of the Metropolitan Opera’s Auditions of the Air, a nationwide talent search, and she went on to sing principal roles with a Philadelphia opera company. After joining the New Opera Company in New York, she sang more than 500 performances on Broadway in the title role of its production of “Rosalinda,” an English-language version of Johann Strauss’s “Die Fledermaus.”
The critic Olin Downes, in The New York Times, described her voice as “full and rich through its compass, brilliantly effective in the upper register,” and praised her acting. She then took the role of Tosca with the New York City Opera, a role that proved too demanding for her voice.
No so the part of Lady Thiang, with the show-stopping number “Something Wonderful.” It was a role that Miss Sarnoff took reluctantly. “She resisted because she thought it was beneath her,” said Laurence Meltzer, a cousin. “It was Broadway.”
In addition to winning her Broadway fame, the show brought an unexpected benefit. From Yul Brynner, who played the king, she learned the trick of tensing the abdominal muscles to dispel nervousness.
Subsequent Broadway roles proved less successful. “My Darlin’ Aida,” based on the Verdi opera, closed after 89 performances in 1952. After that, Miss Sarnoff tried to resume her opera career, with only modest success.
In 1957, she married Milton H. Raymond, an advertising executive. Her first marriage, to Dr. Shepard G. Aronson, ended in divorce. There are no immediate survivors.
One evening in the mid-1960s, while dining with the publisher of a fashion magazine, she indulged a pet theme: Why did silver key rings magazines offer advice on beauty and clothing but not on vocal quality? The publisher told Miss Sarnoff she should do it herself, and she did, offering a course at Alexander’s department store called Speech Cosmetics. Students paid $25 for six classes designed to help them become better public speakers, to “achieve social poise” and to carry on conversations at parties.
“A woman has to be lovable at ‘first listen’ as well as attractive at ‘first glance,’ ” she told The Times in 1966. Right off the bat, her students had to say, “Sing a song of sixpence, a pocket full of rye,” a sentence carefully chosen to expose the worst elements of New York speech.
Speech Cosmetics moved to the St. Moritz Hotel, and the price went up. Soon the company became Speech Dynamics, and Miss Sarnoff expanded her brief to embrace all aspects of personal presentation. By the mid-1970s, clients were paying $1,000 for the coaching sessions, and Miss Sarnoff, who was being paid $2,000 per lecture, found herself at the forefront of the growing self-improvement industry.
Her first book, “Speech Can Change Your Life” (1970), became a best seller; it was followed by “Make the Most of Your Best” (1981) and “Never be Nervous Again” (1987). After the advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather sent two executives for a makeover, the company bought Speech Dynamics in 1974 and promoted Miss Sarnoff heavily.
The Speech Dynamics makeover typically began with the client giving a four-minute speech to an audience of one: Miss Sarnoff. Clients were asked to list the qualities they liked about themselves and then, while watching their speech on tape, write down what they would like to eliminate from their performance and what they would like to add.
Then Miss Sarnoff bore down — gently.
“We don’t criticize,” she told The Associated Press in 1996. “Criticism is an enemy. You’ve got to make loving, positive suggestions.”
She brought charm, energy and an iron will to her task, wrapped in the feel-good language of what would become the human potential movement. Her copyrighted mantra (“I’m glad I’m here. I’m glad you’re here. …”) helped clients to project, in sequence, “the vibe of joy,” “the vibe of concern” and “the vibe of authority.” Miss Sarnoff zeroed in on awkward mannerisms, distracting eye movements, poor posture and unfortunate clothing and makeup choices. She managed to combine the high tone of a traditional finishing school with the brand-building ethos of corporate consultancy.
Miss Sarnoff worked with tens of thousands of clients. She helped President Carter to lower the wattage of his smile. She helped Mr. Begin, the Israeli prime minister, to soften his aggressive manner, the designer Paloma Picasso to warm up, Ms. Steel to plug her books more effectively and Secretary of State Warren M. Christopher to stop his silver necklaces blinking.
Eyes were crucial. “Nixon had blueberry eyes,” she told The Times in 1968. “They were just there like two blueberries. But John F. Kennedy had the talking eyes. You have to maintain eye contact. Ninety percent eye to eye. Write that down.”
Smiling, she believed, was overrated. “I don’t teach smile, I teach animation,” she said.
She told writers to mention the title of their book at least five to seven times in every interview, which means that her legacy can be measured precisely by watching “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Today.”
January 31st, 2010 › key ring, necklaces › admin › no comments ›
Tonight marked the Grande Finale of the first pan-GCC De Beers Group Marketing Diamond Jewellery Design Competition, following in the wake of the international ‘Diamonds: Nature’s Miracle’ competition.
GCC designers set their creativity free to produce some of the most awe-inspiring diamond valentine’s day jewelry gifts pieces and sets ever seen in the region, valued at over $ 2,000,000. The glittering gala celebration featured eight finalists’ pieces and sets of imaginative and innovative jewellery designs all inspired by one of nature’s most precious creations the diamond.
The event, designed within a luxury venue at a prestigious Dubai hotel, took VVIP guests, hailing from the international and local jewellery industry, through a series of rooms themed around the piece of jewellery on display. From a waltzing bride and groom in one setting, to luxuriously clad models viewing ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ on a cinema-style big screen in another – each intricate design was displayed to highlight it’s individual symbolism.
Anan Fakhreddin, Regional Director of the Diamond Promotion Service (DPS) at De Beers Group Marketing, the largest producer of rough diamonds in the world says, “From its birth billions of years ago to the journey it endured to the surface of the earth, to the legends and myths surrounding it, to its elusiveness and rarity each piece of jewellery captures the diamonds true magic and mystique.
“Diamond jewellery has the ability to capture the heart. It symbolizes love, eternity and glamour, and our Diamond Jewellery Design Competition, as well as our themed gala event was aimed at allowing designers to put their diamond jewellery dreams into reality, thereby highlighting the emerging talent in the GCC jewellery industry.
“Both novice designers and experienced industry professionals were invited to participate in the competition to demonstrate their ability to craft designs specifically for the region.”
To enter, participants were required to draft a design for a new piece or set of diamond jewellery, inspired by Arab culture, under one of five categories listed on the entry form; A new piece of Diamond Jewellery, The Rayana Diamond Jewellery Set, The Whisper Three-Stone Ring, The Bridal Diamond Jewellery Set, Melange and the Black Attraction categories.
The eight diamond jewellery designs chosen to go into the final stage of the competition were silver key rings into actual pieces which went on to be judged by a panel of expert judges including Mr. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman DMCC, International fashion designer Walid Atallah and Anan Fakhreddin, Diamond Promotion Service (DPS) Director of the De Beers Group Marketing.
The final pieces and sets were modeled at the event alongside Walid Atallah latest designer dresses collection.
Winners who received De Beers Group Marketing trophies include:
Damas with “A Melange and black attraction piece” consists of a choker identical in style to the traditional Agal the black band used in Arabic headdress. The piece makes use of 3635 diamonds and is worth $117 463.50.
Rafi Sarki with “A Melange and black attraction piece” consists of a ‘new generation’ bangle incorporating 7 diamonds set in white gold and fixed at different angles to create an atom-like figure representing energy. The piece is worth $76 905.75 and make use of 2 387 brilliant round diamonds.
Rosy Blue Trading with “A new piece of Diamond Jewellery”, inspired by water droplets shimmering on a sunlit lotus leaf, this necklace incorporates 2501 diamonds set in white gold and is valued at $7 120.
Scintilla Monaco with “The Rayana Diamond Jewellery set” including necklace, earrings and ring valued at $1.5 million. This piece makes incorporates pear, oval and marques diamonds set in 18 karat white gold.
Al Moallim Jewellery with “The Whisper three-stone ring” made up of round, heart-shaped and oval diamonds.
Hajar Bashir Almas Faraj from High College of Technology with “A Bridal Diamond Jewellery set” manufactured and sponsored by Damas, including necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring. This set makes use of 1249 diamonds set in white 18 karat gold, valued at $2.708 million.
About De Beers Group Marketing
The Diamond Trading Company (DTC), part of the De Beers Group was reorganised during the summer of 2007. The reorganisation means that the former DTC marketing department is now a separately managed independent division called De Beers Group Marketing. All other activities previously conducted by the DTC continue to be conducted by the DTC.
De Beers Group Marketing focuses on three core activities:
- the development and marketing of “big ideas” like Trilogy and Journey which have proved so silver necklaces at driving demand
- the continuing exploration and development of the FOREVERMARK programme
- maintaining consumer confidence in diamonds
Tags: silver key rings, silver necklaces
January 29th, 2010 › Uncategorized › admin › no comments ›
Nathan Fredlich, who started out selling used furniture and appliances in Wellston and became a founder of Decor Interiors and Jewelry in Chesterfield, died Thursday (Jan. 21, 2010) at his home in Chesterfield. He was 82. A family member said a possible cause of death was a stroke.
As a young man, Mr. Fredlich joined with two brothers to start White Front Furniture in Wellston, which dealt in used furniture and appliances. The business eventually was moved to University City.
Mr. Fredlich took interior design classes at Washington University and the business eventually switched to offering new furniture and interior design services.
In 1966, the business was moved to Chesterfield.
Mr. Fredlich traveled the world and spent a lot of time in southeast Asia, where he got the idea to add oriental art and sculpture to his repertoire.
In the 1970s, the store added jewelry, now a major part of its business.
“It’s an unusual mix, but it worked,” said Mr. Fredlich’s son, Joe Fredlich of Chesterfield, who now runs the company with his sister, Cynthia Hillman of Ladue.
“His reputation was already in place.”
Joe Fredlich described his father as a true people person who did not see the business as about making money. In fact, after he sold customers furniture or jewelry, he’d often invite them to dinner, Joe Fredlich said. “I swear to you, my mother would get a call three times a week: ‘I’m bringing someone home to dinner.’”
Mr. Fredlich served in the Army in World War II.
Visitation will be at 2 p.m. Sunday followed by a 2:30 p.m. service at Berger Memorial Chapel, 4715 McPherson Avenue. Interment will follow at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in Chesterfield.
In addition to his son and daughter, among the survivors are two other daughters, Susan Garrett of Detroit and Judith Spielberg of Chesterfield; a brother, Morris Fredlich of Town and Country; and seven grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
January 28th, 2010 › bracelets › admin › no comments ›
Red-rose arrangements remain men’s favorite floral picks for Valentine’s Day, but local florists say European flower ensembles are making inroads.
Colorful mixes of Holland-grown tulips, lilies, irises and snap dragons are the latest trend that florists say may have been encouraged by television celebrities such as Oprah and Martha Stewart.
Kent Whitnah, owner of Capitol Hill Florist, 5809 S Western Ave., said he was surprised earlier this week to have sold about 100 tulip arrangements.
“We wiped our wholesaler out,” he said. More tulips are expected to arrive before today.Valentine’s Day gift
Whitnah said the European-flower hype is driven by the contemporary style they exhibit when arranged in a clear vase with the stems clearly visible.
At Capitol Hill Florist, an arrangement of 20 tulips in a “clear bubble vase” costs about $60. A dozen roses — imported from South America — are about $80.
At Cheever’s Flowers & Gifts, 9409 N May Ave., a dozen roses cost about $75, and an ensemble of European flowers begin at about $50, co-owner Tiffany Cheever-Lechus said.
“It’s a very romantic look, having simple tulips in a vase. Martha Stewart set it off,” Cheever-Lechus said.
Charlotte Brandt, co-owner of Brandt’s Flowers, 430 NW 10, said European-mix bouquets have become popular because of their uniqueness.
Several years ago, carnations, daisies and roses were the hype. Now, it’s roses mixed with snap dragons, lilies and tulips, which often cost less than an arrangement of a dozen roses — about $50 compared to $75, Brandt said.
Porter’s Flower Shop & Nursery, 4132 NW 39, offers about the same prices for European ensembles, which co-owner Sandra Porter said she considers a bargain “when you think about where these flowers are grown” and the process it takes to get them to Oklahoma.
“Flowers now come from everywhere in the world. Used to be the tulip quality that you got was just silver bracelets poor. They haven’t been that readily available in this country for that many years,” Porter said.
Perhaps it’s the European flowers’ rarity that has driven customer demand, she said.
“Men — bless their hearts — they know roses. But they have learned there are other things besides roses,” she said.
Tags: silver bracelets, Valentine's Day gift
January 27th, 2010 › Uncategorized › admin › no comments ›
Movies are a great source of style inspiration: they can capture the look of an era or create a style that just begs to be taken to the streets.
Audry Hepburn’s little black dress. Jennifer Beals’ torn T-shirt. Richard Gere’s pale suits. Movies all helped bring those looks into the real world’s wardrobe.
This weekend, yet another movie will offer Tampa Bay residents a glimpse behind the scenes of the valentines day jewelry world — “The September Issue,” a documentary that follows Vogue editor Anna Wintour as she puts together the 2007 September issue (an important annual issue that focuses on emerging fashion trends for the fall).
But as influential as Wintour and Vogue have been, movies have left their celluloid fingerprints on fashion trends. Turner Classic Movies acknowledged that recently, releasing its Top 15 most fashionable movies. And there’s no arguing with “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Annie Hall” and “Flashdance” (which also made our list).
But there’s nothing on the list after 1983? Surely, they forgot about “Pulp Fiction,” “Clueless” and “Desperately Seeking Susan?”
So, for the sake of competition, we decided to compile our own list of 10 flicks that changed the fashion world and the way we dress.
Here they are, in no particular order.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1961). Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) cemented a place in fashion history for the little black dress, along with big sunglasses, the Burberry trench coat and pearls.
“Flashdance” (1983). What a feeling we got when Alex Owens (Jennifer Beals) donned oversized sweatshirts, torn T-shirts and leggings outside the gym – and it looked awesome.
“American Gigolo” (1980). Never has (male) prostitution looked so fashionable than when Julian Kaye (Richard Gere) sported tailored suits, skinny ties and turtlenecks and helped launched the career of fashion designer, Giorgio Armani.
“Annie Hall” (1977). Diane Keaton as Annie Hall borrowed from the boys long before it became fashionable for women to sport masculine trousers, loose-fitting men’s shirts and ties. It remains a popular look.
“Grease” (1978). All that singing and dancing in a plethora of petticoats, leather and tight spandex had us hopelessly devoted to Sandy Olsson (Olivia Newton-John), Danny Zuko (John Travolta) and the whole Rydell High gang.
“Urban Cowboy” (1980). Girls in cowboy hats and miniskirts, dudes in cowboy hats and blinged-out denim shirts. This movie did for Western wear what Gilley’s did for mechanical bulls. Ooee!
“Desperately Seeking Susan” (1985). The rhinestone studded boots, leather pants, underwear as outerwear, black lace and wayyy too much jewelry – Susan (Madonna) made it all seem cool.
“Pulp Fiction” (1994). From Jules Winnfield’s (Samuel L. Jackson) slimming monotone suits to Mia valentine’s day jewelry gifts (Uma Thurman) crisp white shirt and black capris; these looks are still anything but square, Daddy-O.
“Clueless” (1995). As if! Cher (Alicia Silverstone), a cell-toting teen who loves to dress up, turned us on to knee socks, brightly colored mini suits and tank dresses.
“The Devil Wears Prada” (2006). Designer power suits, double-C logo pearls, tweed newsboy caps, thigh-high boots and status handbags. Even if we couldn’t afford it, we were willing to get a knockoff.
So, do you agree or disagree with our choices?
Has a movie ever inspired your style? E-mail us a picture in the outfit inspired by a film along with a few details – your name, film inspiration, description. Come on, don’t be shy. We’ll post the photos on our style blog at TBO.com, Keyword: Hot Pursuits.
Reporter Cloe Cabrera can be reached at (813) 259-7656.
Tags: valentine's day jewelry gifts
January 26th, 2010 › bracelets, rings › admin › no comments ›
Blondie’s “Heart of Glass” probably didn’t work with as many outfits as Maegen Kissell-Nair’s does.
Kissell-Nair makes fused-glass jewelry, with hearts being one of her beautifully fashioned themes.
She recently taught a class at WaterWorks Art Studio, 1710 Charles Page Blvd., valentines gifts her students learned to make Valentine’s gifts using fused glass.
Even though cupid’s arrows have already flung, you can still learn how to make fused glass jewelry at two upcoming WaterWorks classes — either during four 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday sessions March 2-23; or four 10 a.m.-noon Tuesday sessions April 7-28.
Before we rhapsodize on how pretty these pieces can be, you don’t need any artistic expertise to make them, said Ginger Tomshany, manager of WaterWorks, a city of Tulsa facility dedicated to fine arts.
We met with her, Kissell-Nair and board member Mary Ann Harrison recently to learn more about fused glass, also called dichroic glass, Tomshany said. They had arranged several colorful pieces on a table — earrings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces, all gleaming — and, on occasion, seeming to change shades.
Dichroic means two colors. The glass has a metallic film fused to its surface, making the glass appear to be different colors when viewed from various angles or in varying degrees of light. When layered and fused together in a glass kiln, “an array of brightly colored and flashy pieces of unique jewelry can be created,” Tomshany said.
The glass, purchased with
the metallic film already fused to it, is cut into different shapes, which are then tiffany rings upon one another and placed in a specialized kiln. This process takes about 24 hours.
“It’s really kind of serendipitous,” Tomshany said. “You open the kiln, and it’s like Christmas.”
Because the jewelry is so colorful, it can be worn with anything, from denim to dressy affairs, said Tomshany, who wears hers often — “And when I do, I’m always getting compliments.”
DICHROIC JEWELRY
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mondays, March 2-23; and 10 a.m.-noon Tuesdays, April 7-28
Where: Waterworks Art Studio, 1710 Charles Page Blvd.
Cost: Four sessions is $105, which includes all supplies for six items of jewelry demonstrated in class.
Enroll: 596-2440, tulsaworld.com/waterworks
What is WaterWorks?
This city of Tulsa facility, located in historic Newblock Park, brings visual fine arts experiences, hands-on classes and quality art exhibits to the community.
The center is housed in a renovated building that once served as Tulsa’s tiffany bracelets treatment plant and was later the site of the city’s first public swimming pools — hence WaterWorks.
The center partners with such prominent organizations as the Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa City-County Library, Tulsa Zoo and Oxley Nature Center, as well as with the public and private schools, serving artists of all ages and the public at large.
Tags: tiffany bracelets, tiffany rings, valentines gifts